New Music for Old People: There's No Faking Musical Supervision for Lovemaking, Parts 1-10

This column is like the title says - its intention is to fill the gap for those of us who were satiated musically in the '60s and then searched desperately as we aged for music we could relate to and get the same buzz from nowadaze. iTunes was the answer for me in 2003 and I have been following the new releases every Tuesday ever since I realized there was an endless stream of music I could enjoy there.

I also include older items that I felt were obscure originally and might not have been heard back then. The reason I am writing this column is to make sure others don't miss this wonderful music. These are not top ten items; but they SHOULD'VE been!

Below is a jukebox containing all the songs I picked this week. After you read about them below, go back and listen to whatever you like by just clicking on that title in the jukebox, or stream the whole playlist by clicking on the "play" icon at the top. It's free and it's the entire song. We're not selling anything. We're just in the business of hopefully making your days better by listening to great music.

This week I hope I have saved you the time and trouble of an anticipatory music selection that is not so easy to compile. Now I know this is not for EVERYONE. But if you generally like the column choices, this MAY work for you. Playlists should be named casually, i.e. Relaxin', Chillin’ as opposed to the actual title in your head. Still, it can be ruined by excessive volume. There has to be easy conversation between two people in the room while this is playing.

In fact, the volume level is the single most important choice (after the lighting). If it’s too loud, its intention is obvious and potentially blatantly embarrassing. If it’s too soft, well...that’s a whole OTHER problem. But seriously, check the level prior to the other person’s arrival. We want this to be a purrfect night (or late afternoon). If you can clearly converse over the music than it’s just subtly correct. The perfect wine of your choice is another helpful complement. I wish you all the luck in the world and would love to hear how it worked with y’all!

Kind of a put-your-toes-in-the-water-to-check-the-water-temp tune. Could be taken either way but easy on the ears, nonetheless. Colin is the flawless lead singer of the still-going Zombies. I guess they picked the right name all those years ago.

2. "In a Sentimental Mood" — John Coltrane & Duke Ellington (4:14)

This is not the normal fare you hear at most people’s homes. Now your date will either get in the spirit or wonder who you are. Both are good choices. This is a wonderful duet between two musical giants who obviously respect each other. With Aaron Bell on bass and the omnipresent Elvin Jones drumming perfectly, Clair Danes would have played this for Brody back in the day on the Homelands TV series.

3. "The Wind" (excerpt) — Laura Nyro & LaBelle (1:59)

Taking the edge off the previous jazz, this is a throwback to the '50s with a cover of The Jesters' original with the legendary Laura doin’ her thing all over it. Lovely LaBelle as well.

4. "The Nearness of You" — Al Jarreau (3:43)

This is intention-obvious with that bedroom voice of Al’s complimenting his woman, so either your spell is working or perhaps it’s too early in the program. If so, keep that conversation going just a wee bit longer...

5. "Goodbye" — Frank Morgan (3:36)

Back to the jazz and hopefully conversation will end by the end of this track, a great duet with guitarist Kenny Burrell. If not, better put on Best of The Foo Fighters and call it a night.

6. "Be Warm to Me" — Mable John()

Able Mable lays it right on the table. Stax-Volt at its best. A knowing woman gives great advice and hopefully more if the advice is taken.

7. "In My Solitude" — Kenny Burrell & Jimmy Smith(s) (3:00)

The trio of Kenny Burrell again on guitar, Jimmy Smith on organ, and the other Jimmy Smith on drums lays down this great mood base for you.

8. "Wash Me Clean" — k.d. lang (2:25)

Cough-cough...

9. "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" — Hank Crawford (5:00)

If you’ve made the wrong choice this is good music for walking your date to the door. Otherwise, this is superb for strong continuation. Hank Crawford put bluesy, saxy playing into the jazz mainstream.

10. "Imaginary Lover" — Al Kooper (3:38)

This is a song I wrote for people who harbor a secret longing to be with Scarlett Johansson or Brad Pitt. These people may actually be in the same place at the same time as these people on occasion, but are harmless because they are overpowered by the charisma of said icons. But who says they shouldn’t have their own song?

I hope this got you started on your love journey but at just five minutes longer than a half-hour, got you started was probably ALL it could do. If this list failed for you, come back next week and I’ll promise to never do this again and things will go right back to what passes for normal in my regular column-world.